SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum said during the 2013 season that Jadeveon Clowney was "the biggest joke in college football." On Saturday, he apologized during a visit to Columbia.

One thing the longtime radio host in Alabama who is part of the newly formed Southeastern Conference Network wanted to address were comments he made about Gamecocks All-American defensive end Jadeveon Clowney during the 2013 season.

The Monday after Clowney sat out in South Carolina's game against Kentucky, Finebaum called Clowney "the biggest joke in college football."

USC athletics director Ray Tanner had questioned Finebaum's role with the league's new television network and later criticized him.

"When you're a commentator, you speak your mind," said Finebaum. "You don't get mulligans. If there was something I could take back, it would be that moment.

"It was on ESPN the Monday after we sat there and played (USC coach Steve) Spurrier's comments. I reacted because I read a lot into what he said. I deeply regret it. I called Ray two days later after he spoke out in Fayetteville (Ark.). We had a great conversation. It wasn't one of these screaming matches.

" 'I just wanted to explain to you I didn't mean it.' I do regret I haven't personally apologized to Jadeveon Clowney because, frankly, I will. I should and I'm going to make an effort to. I just thought I'd let everything cool down."

Finebaum says this is the first time he has been in Columbia since making the comment and wanted to wait until he was in town to address it.

"It was the wrong thing to say for someone in my position," said Finebaum. "Just because you think something at the moment doesn't mean you can say it. I knew better when I said it. I think it was hurtful, and I'm truly sorry."